Following a comprehensive review of potential sites, Norwich City Council says it has brokered a deal on the A47 Compound site, near the Food Enterprise Park.
Councillor Carli Harper, cabinet member for finance and major projects, said: “We have chosen this site as it represents an excellent opportunity to continue our detailed work to explore relocation plans for the livestock market so Norfolk’s farming community will have a top-class facility which has excellent transport links to the wider region it serves.
“No final decision has been taken. We will take forward further investigation and design work and conduct a wide-ranging public consultation and engagement exercise with residents and key stakeholders later this year.”
Legal duty to provide market
The current market has operated from a small site off Hall Road in Norwich since 1960. It now needs investment to improve the facilities it offers and to broaden its business activities.
The city council is legally required to provide a livestock market for the region. Until last year, it had a duty to provide the facility within the council’s boundary.
In 2024, councillors approved a proposal to manage a private bill through parliament to seek a change in legislation. The council was subsequently granted legal permission to relocate a new livestock market outside of the council’s boundary.
It says this will better suit the needs of those who use or rely on the livestock market to make a living.
Key role of livestock farming
The NFU supports the provision of a livestock market for NFU members that is in a suitable location.
In evidence to the council, it highlighted the key role that livestock farming plays in Norfolk and the importance of a livestock market in the area, both to farmers in Norfolk and Suffolk and in neighbouring counties.
NFU Regional Director Zoe Leach said: “It’s vital that farmers can access a successful, vibrant livestock market. It’s important for farm businesses, the rural economy and a landscape shaped by grazing livestock.